OIKOS, der Verband der niederländischen Altertumswissenschaftler, vergibt 7 Stellen im Anchoring Innovation Programm ( https://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/anchoring-jobs/).

1. Position:

Postdoc project, 1.5 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 March 2019.

 Title:

Linguistic Anchoring in Latin Epistolography (Anchoring Work Package 1, Discourse and Rhetoric)

 Salary:

€3,637 to max. €4,978 gross per month (based on 38 hours a week, depending on previous experience)

 Supervisor:

Prof. Dr C.H.M. Kroon (UvA)

 Organisation:

University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities, Amsterdam School of Historical Studies (ASH)

 Job description:

Good communication requires, first of all, good anchoring. In fact, languages generally display a variety of linguistic devices that may somehow play a role in anchoring a ‘message’ in a specific sociocultural context, or in knowledge shared between speaker and addressee. Examples of such linguistic anchoring devices are negation, word order, tense, pronominal references, discourse markers, and lexical expressions referring to common ground in a more explicit way, like ut omnes sciunt (‘as you all know’) or ut fit (‘as usual’). Depending on the specific discourse situation and their own communicative aims, speakers may choose freely from the linguistic strategies and devices available for managing the common ground. The linguists in the Anchoring Innovation project of OIKOS have been concerned with mechanisms of common ground management in various genres of Ancient Greek and Latin literature (especially drama and historiography), and with the question how in verbal communication ‘new’ messages may be anchored in what is already accepted, known or believed by the intended audience.

For the postdoc project ‘Linguistic Anchoring in Latin Epistolography’ we welcome proposals for research that may increase our understanding of the peculiarities of common ground management in letters, an especially challenging genre because of the (socially and otherwise) complex communicative situation evoked by letters, as demonstrated by e.g. the collection of Cicero’s letters. In addition, the successful applicant is supposed to weigh his/her (socio)linguistic research findings against the results of investigations of common ground management in other genres, and to integrate them in an empirically and theoretically based account of communicative anchoring, intended for an audience of both linguists and classicists, and usable in relevant projects in the second stage of the Anchoring Innovation research agenda. The results will be laid down in at least two substantial articles.

More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

 Requirements:

• A PhD in Latin Literature, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• Thorough expertise in linguistic research (especially pragmatics and sociolinguistics)
• An excellent research and publication record in relation to stage of career
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research
• Excellent command of English
• Some organisational experience

 Job application:

In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the order stated), in one PDF file (not zipped):

• Cover letter
• CV, including list of publications and contact details of two referees
• Research proposal of 1500 words (excluding bibliography and – if appropriate – appendix containing list of sources: together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant degree certificate(s)
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your application to Dr. Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 3 December 2018. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr C.H.M. Kroon (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!).

 ---------------------------------------

2. Position:

PhD project, 4 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 April 2019. Initially a contract will be given for 12 months, with an extension for the following 36 months on the basis of a positive evaluation.

 Title:

The function and impact of Greek original statues in the city of Rome (Anchoring Work Package 2, Literature and Art)

 Salary:

€ 2,325 to € 2,972 gross per month (based on 38 hours a week)

 Supervisors:

Prof. Dr M.J Versluys (UL), Prof. Dr E.M. Moormann (RU)

 Organisational unit:

Leiden University, Faculty of Archaeology, Department of Classical & Mediterranean Archaeology

The future of the past begins in Leiden. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading for its research, home to a broad array of specializations and notable for the strong connection it fosters between teaching and research. Home to over 500 students in the multidisciplinary world of archaeology, the faculty and its researchers from all areas of the archaeological field determine the future of archaeological research.

Job description:

This research project will focus on the active role of original Greek statues in ancient Rome in terms of their function and impact, with an emphasis on questions of movement, change and interaction. Key issues are: In what way have original Greek statues been exhibited and used in the city of Rome through time? Why and how were they appropriated? What was the perception of and the response towards these foreign objects? How do Greek originals relate to ‘non-Greek’ statues in Hellenizing (or other) styles and to Roman ‘copies’ in these respects? Is there a useful function for the concept of ‘anchoring’ in this area?

While most previous studies have focused on meaning and representation regarding Greek statues in Rome, this project investigates what these objects did after being introduced to their new context in terms of material agency. Such a perspective will allow the candidate to investigate how Greek statues became entangled with Roman culture and how they shaped Roman society from the outside in.

 More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda” (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/publications/). Candidates are asked to familiarize themselves with the research agenda before submitting an application.

 Tasks of the PhD candidate will include:

• Completion and defence of a PhD thesis within four years
• Participation in meetings of the project research group(s)
• Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences
• Participation in the training programme of the Graduate School and Research School

 Requirements:

• A (R)MA or MPhil degree in Classical and/or Mediterranean Archaeology, Ancient History or Classics, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• Excellent research skills including the ability to plan and execute tasks independently and punctually; commitment to high-quality research, publication, and dissemination; and an interdisciplinary outlook
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research
• Ability to communicate in written and oral academic English.

 Job application:

Applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one (unzipped) PDF file:

• Cover letter
• CV, including contact information of two referees
• Transcript of records
• Research proposal of max. 2500 words. Excluded are the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of selected objects (together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant diploma
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your complete application to dr Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 3 December 2018. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr M.J. Versluys (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!).

                                     ---------------------------------------------------

3. Position:

PhD project, 4 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 April 2019. Initially a contract will be given for 12 months, with an extension for the following 36 months on the basis of a positive evaluation.

 Title:

Myth as an anchoring device in Greek literature

(Anchoring Work Package 2, Literature)

 Salary:

€ 2,325 to € 2,972 gross per month (based on 38 hours a week)

 Supervisors:

Prof. Dr I.J.F. de Jong (UvA), Prof. Dr A.P.M.H. Lardinois (RU)

 Organisational unit:

University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities

 Job description:

Myths (in the sense of stories about a temporally or spatially distant world) are part and parcel of Greek literature. Given their traditional status they carry great authority and hence are regularly used as an anchoring device. Obvious and well-researched examples are myths used as paradigms by Homeric speakers or the mythic parts of Pindaric epinicians which must show how the present continues the past.

            Candidates are invited to propose a project which further explores this theme. One genre that suggests itself is early Greek mythography. It has been suggested that Hesiod’s genealogical Theogony was an important model, and one central research question could be: why and especially how have these (new) prose texts taken over this (old) poetic form?

                An even more challenging genre is formed by Plato’s myths. What are the form and function of these passages in an author who more than once severely criticizes the myths of poets? To be sure, Platonic myth has been amply discussed, but these discussions focus primarily on their philosophical content. Given the fact that Plato himself pays considerable attention to the form of narrative (in Republic 3 and 10), it may be worthwhile to investigate his own mythic narratives from this perspective. Can formal aspects of the way in which the myths are presented provide a key towards a better understanding of his at first sight surprising use of this old texttype to promote his new philosophy? These are just examples. Projects on the use of myths in other genres are also welcome. 

            In all cases part of the research question should be: in what ways are the myths used as an (authoritative) anchoring device and do they help author(s) to promote new ideas?  And what does their use of myths as anchoring devices teach us about the concept of anchoring innovation itself?

More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

 Tasks of the PhD candidate will include:

• Completion and defence of a PhD thesis within four years
• Participation in meetings of the project research group(s)
• Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences
• Participation in the training programme of the Graduate School of the University of Amsterdam and the National Research School OIKOS

 Requirements:

• A (R)MA or MPhil degree in Classics, with a MA-thesis on a topic from Greek literature, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• Excellent research skills
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research
• Excellent command of English

 Job application:

In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):

• Cover letter
• CV, including contact information of two referees
• Transcript of records
• Research proposal of 1500 words. Excluded are the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of sources (together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant diploma
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your complete application to dr Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week of 3-7 December. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr Irene J.F. de Jong (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!).

                                ------------------------------------------------------

 4. Position:

Postdoc project, 1.5 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 March 2019.

 Title:

Anchoring in Hellenistic Philosophy (Anchoring Work Package 3: Religion and Philosophy)

 Salary:

€ 3,637 to max. € 4,978 gross per month (salary scale 11; based on 38 hours a week, depending on previous experience)

 Supervisor:

Prof. Dr T.L. Tieleman (UU)

 Organisational unit:

Utrecht University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

 Job description:

From its inception philosophy had to compete for cultural authority and legitimacy with other ways of explaining the world and regulating human behaviour, most notably traditional religion, and with icons of Greek paideia such as Homer (cf. e.g. Heraclitus, or Plato’s Republic). But philosophers also competed among themselves, especially since philosophy ramified into different schools – a development that took definitive shape in early Hellenistic Athens in particular. New schools were founded, most notably the Epicurean Garden and the Stoa, and sought to attract their own followers. An older school, the Platonic Academy, took a new direction by turning sceptical. This project is designed to study the strategies used by these Hellenistic philosophers to make their innovations acceptable and authoritative, both among philosophers and within the polis community at large. A central conceptual tool will be that of ‘anchoring’ as applied to both successful and unsuccessful cases of philosophical (doctrinal, institutional) innovation. At face value, the strategies involved diverged in striking ways and for reasons that are unclear and merit closer study. On the one hand, Stoics and other philosophers anchored their positions through reinterpretation rather than outright rejection. This is true both for their approach to traditional religion, morality and civic institutions and for their relation to philosophical predecessors such as Socrates and the Presocratics. Thus both Stoics and Academics cast themselves as Socratics. Epicurus, on the other hand, stands out by his rejection of traditional religion and education as well as his criticism of the arts. He and his followers vilified Socrates. Thus Epicurus’ approach can be characterized as ‘negative anchoring’, i.e. one that lays claim to a new and creditable identity by emphasizing what he and his school do not stand for.  But in his case too it needs to be asked how exactly he went about developing this line, how far he combined it with positive forms of anchoring and, ultimately, why he was so successful in launching his philosophy.

Candidates should write a proposal in which they respond creatively to the ideas developed in the above description of the struggle for cultural authority by and among philosophers in the Hellenistic period as they developed and propagated their innovations.

The results, laid down in at least two substantial articles, are to illuminate vital aspects of this use of philosophical traditions and the possible anchoring processes involved.

 More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/) with further references to publications about the Anchoring Innovation program.

 Requirements:

• A PhD in Ancient Philosophy, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• An excellent research and publication record in relation to stage of career.
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research.
• Excellent command of English.
• Some organisational experience.

 Job application:

In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the order stated), in one PDF file (not zipped):

• Cover letter
• CV, including list of publications and contact details of two referees
• Research proposal of 1500 words (excluding bibliography and – if appropriate – appendix containing list of sources: together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant degree certificate(s)
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your application to Dr. Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 3 December 2018. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr T.L. Tieleman (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!)

                                        --------------------------------------------------------

 5. Position

PhD project, 4 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 April 2019.

 Title

Anchoring the agora in archaic and classical Greek poleis (c. 800-300 BCE)

(Anchoring Innovation Gravitation Research Agenda, Work Package 4)

 Supervisors

Prof. Dr Josine Blok and Dr Floris van den Eijnde (UU)

 Organisational unit

Utrecht University, Faculty of Humanities

 Job description

The agora can be considered the foundational space of the Greek polis: a communal space set aside as a podium for civic life. It developed in the centre of the urban fabric, lined with herms, sanctuaries, altars and temples. Beside operating partly or on specific moments as a market place, it was first of all a civic space, the heart of the polis as a social, religious and political community. In all Greek poleis, the agora became an important anchor for political, cultural and religious innovation. The introduction of new gods was successful when they received a sanctuary near the Acropolis or on the agora. Regime change, treaties and incisive legislation were anchored in the polis by collective oath taking on the agora. In sum, the agora was a quintessential element of one of the most conspicuous innovations of ancient Greece, the citizen-state, in which the demos as a collective was sovereign, represented in multiple authoritative bodies.

This PhD project will investigate the creation of the agora in Greek poleis from the Early Iron Age to late classical times, as a place where institutional innovations were anchored in physical terms (environmental context, spatial configuration and architectural design) and as a civic space whose very conception influenced the kind of polis’ institutions founded there. A second objective concerns the choice of its location: were primarily practical considerations (e.g. close to the harbour) involved or also anchoring processes (e.g. close to a pre-existing sanctuary)?

More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda” (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/publications/).

 Qualifications

A successful PhD candidate should preferably have:

• A (research) master’s degree in ancient history, classical studies or archaeology, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• An outstanding record of undergraduate and master's degree work;
• Good knowledge of ancient Greek
• Excellent oral and written skills in English and good knowledge of modern languages (German, French)
• Strong writing and analytical skills;
• Some organizational experience;
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete a PhD thesis within four years;
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research.Offer The position can be offered for 1,0 FTE, start date from 1 April 2019 onwards. The appointment is for an initial period of 18 months, which after a satisfactory evaluation will be extended by another 30 months (4 years in total). The gross monthly salary on a fulltime basis starts at € 2,325,- in the first year, ending at € 2,972,- in the fourth year, consistent with the Collective Employment Agreement for Dutch Universities.  A better future for everyone. That is the ambition that motivates our scholars in their top research and their inspiring teaching. The various disciplines within Utrecht University collaborate closely on important social themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. The Faculty of Humanities has approximately 900 employees and 7000 students. The faculty covers four areas of knowledge: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Cultural Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. Through education and research in these areas the faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe within an ever changing social and cultural context. Our enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent facilities in Utrecht’s historic centre, where the faculty has its home, make for an inspiring working climate.Application procedure                                                                                                                          
• In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):
•  
• Faculty of Humanities of Utrecht University
• Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are set by the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. More information: terms of employment.
•  

1. Letter of motivation
2. CV, including contact information of two referees
3. Transcript of records
4. Research proposal of 1500 words. Excluded are the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of sources (together max. two pages A4)
5. Copy of relevant diploma
6. A copy of the passport
7. If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

 Interviews will take place in the week of 3-7 December. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

 Please submit your complete application to dr Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme, via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018. 

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr Josine Blok (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!) or Dr Floris van den Eijnde (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!).

                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 6. Position:

PhD project, 4 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 April 2019. Initially a contract will be given for 12 months, with an extension for the following 36 months on the basis of a positive evaluation.

 Title:

From Gilgamesh to Gladiator: Anchoring Innovation in the Epic Tradition

(Anchoring Work Package 6, Reception of Antiquity)

 Salary:

€ 2,325 to € 2,972 gross per month (based on 38 hours a week)

 Supervisors:

Dr M.A.J. Heerink (VU), Prof. Dr I.J.F. de Jong (UvA)

 Organisation:

VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities

 Job description:

The epic tradition comprises over 4,000 years, from the epic of Gilgamesh to the modern epic movie. This project deals with the reception of ancient epic poetry in the modern epic movie.

In classical antiquity, every epic poem is firmly anchored in literary tradition. Virgil’s Aeneid, for instance, is instantly recognizable as a Homeric epic. At the same time, every epic constitutes an innovation of that same tradition, as a result of a different kind of anchoring, i.e. in the political and/or religious context of production. The Aeneid, for instance, is a very Roman epic, dealing with the origins of the Roman people and the first emperor Augustus in particular.

Epic is more than poems composed in hexameters, however. The concept of Anchoring Innovation makes it possible to understand contemporary epic, i.e. the epic movie, as a continuation of the epic tradition. Although the medium (film) is different, epic movies are recognizable as such and are, just like their ancient predeccesors, firmly anchored in their ideological context. Examples are politically charged movies on classical antiquity such as Spartacus (1960), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Troy (2004) and 300 (2006), but also movies that only deal with the ancient world implicitly, such as the Star Wars cycle (1977-2017), Apocalypse Now (1979), Avatar (2009) and Inception (2010).

Candidates are invited to write a proposal on how they envisage a project on the way the modern epic movie is a continuation of (i.e. is anchored in) the ancient epic tradition, while at the same constituting an innovation of that same tradition, anchored in its ideological context.

 More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

 Tasks of the PhD candidate will include:

• Completion and defence of a PhD thesis within four years
• Participation in meetings of the project research group(s)
• Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences
• Participation in the training programme of the Graduate School and Research School

 Requirements:

• A (R)MA or MPhil degree in Classics and/or Ancient Studies or in (with a demonstrable interest in Cultural or Media Studies), or in Cultural and/or Media Studies (with a demonstrable interest in Classics and/or Ancient Studies), held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment)
• Excellent research skills
• A strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research
• Excellent command of English

 Job application:

In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):

• Cover letter
• CV, including contact information of two referees
• Transcript of records
• Research proposal of 1500 words. Excluded are the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of sources (together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant diploma
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your complete application to dr Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week of 3 December. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Dr M.A.J. Heerink (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!).

                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

7. Position:

PhD project, 4 years (1.0fte), starting date to be agreed, with a preference for 1 April 2019 or sooner. Initial contract of 12 months, with extension for the following 36 months on condition of a positive evaluation.

 Title:

Anchoring: new ideas

(Anchoring Work Package B; alternatively, proposals fitting work packages 1, 2, or 3 will also be considered)

 Salary:

€ 2,325 to € 2,972 gross per month (based on 38 hours a week)

 Supervisor:

Prof. Dr I. Sluiter (Leiden University); co-supervisor to be determined dependent on Topic

 Organisation:

Leiden University, Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Center for the Arts in Society (LUCAS)

The PhD candidate will work within the intersection of the Anchoring Innovation program and the research program directed by Academy Professor Ineke Sluiter and funded by the NWO Spinoza prize and the Prize Academy Professors. The appointment will take place in the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS).

Job description:

Candidates may apply with an initial proposal of their own, fitting the Anchoring Innovation program AND preferably fitting into or contributing to one of the areas indicated below. Candidates should state what work package of the Anchoring Innovation program they consider the best fit for their project.

1. Cognitive approaches to Greek literature, preferably drama, and Greek culture.
2. Anchoring in the body: embodied cognition and anchoring; one option here is the role and value of the human hand in the ancient imagination.
3. The psychology of the ancient world; one option here is the value attached to non-human life forms.
4. Ancient ideas about language (grammar, rhetoric) or the ancient commentary tradition; one option here is the rhetoric of ‘first inventors’ and ‘inventions’.

 

More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the OIKOS website (http://www.ru.nl/oikos/anchoring-innovation/), including an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda”.

 Tasks of the PhD candidate will include:

• Completion and defence of a PhD thesis within four years;

• Participation in meetings of the project research group(s)
• Presentations of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences
• Participation in the training programme of the local Graduate School and the National Research School in Classics (OIKOS)
• Some teaching in the second and third years of the appointment.

 Requirements:

• A RMA, MA or MPhil degree in Classics, held by time of appointment (if the degree is not yet obtained at the time of application, a statement by the applicant's supervisor should confirm that it will be obtained by time of appointment), with an MA thesis of high quality with a grade of at least 8.0 on a ten-point scale, or comparable assessment;
• Well-developed research skills, including the ability to formulate relevant and creative research questions and hypotheses, descriptive and analytical skills, and a clear and persuasive style of writing;
• Excellent competence in ancient Greek and English, as well as reading competence in French, German and italian;
• Independent thinker, team player;

 Job application:

In order to be admissible, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):

• Cover letter
• CV, including contact information of two referees
• Transcript of records
• Research proposal of 1500 words. This does not include the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of sources (together max. two pages A4)
• Copy of relevant degree certificate(s)
• If necessary (see requirements), statement by supervisor confirming that the applicant will hold the required degree at the time of appointment

Please submit your complete application to dr Roald Dijkstra, the coordinator of the Anchoring-programme via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! before 1 November 2018.

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 3 December 2018. For candidates living abroad interviews may be held via Skype.

More information about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr Ineke Sluiter (Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!)